EP2162743A2 - Verfahren zur modulation von entzündung und zusammensetzungen dafür - Google Patents

Verfahren zur modulation von entzündung und zusammensetzungen dafür

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Publication number
EP2162743A2
EP2162743A2 EP08767898A EP08767898A EP2162743A2 EP 2162743 A2 EP2162743 A2 EP 2162743A2 EP 08767898 A EP08767898 A EP 08767898A EP 08767898 A EP08767898 A EP 08767898A EP 2162743 A2 EP2162743 A2 EP 2162743A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sil
complex
seq
subject
nucleotide sequence
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP08767898A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2162743A4 (de
Inventor
Fred Finkelman
Marat Khodoun
Marsha Willis-Karp
Christina Lewis
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University of Cincinnati
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University of Cincinnati
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Publication of EP2162743A2 publication Critical patent/EP2162743A2/de
Publication of EP2162743A4 publication Critical patent/EP2162743A4/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6863—Cytokines, i.e. immune system proteins modifying a biological response such as cell growth proliferation or differentiation, e.g. TNF, CNF, GM-CSF, lymphotoxin, MIF or their receptors
    • G01N33/6869—Interleukin
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/24—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against cytokines, lymphokines or interferons
    • C07K16/244—Interleukins [IL]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C07K16/2866—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against receptors for cytokines, lymphokines, interferons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2333/00—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature
    • G01N2333/435—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature from animals; from humans
    • G01N2333/52—Assays involving cytokines
    • G01N2333/54—Interleukins [IL]
    • G01N2333/5437—IL-13
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2800/00—Detection or diagnosis of diseases
    • G01N2800/24—Immunology or allergic disorders

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to compositions for and methods of modulating inflammation, more particularly to modulating inflammation related disorders. Additionally the invention is directed to compositions for and methods of modulating asthmatic disorders, allergic responses and endofibrotic disorders.
  • the type 2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL- 13 substantially participate in allergic immunopathology and host protection against helminth parasites (Urban et al. 1992 Immunol. Rev. 127:205-220; Venkayya et al. 2002 Am. J. Respir. Cell MoI. Biol. 26:202-208; Hershey, G.K. 2003 J. Allergy CHn. Immunol. 111:677-690, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.)
  • Two related cytokines, IL-4 and IL- 13 bind to cell membrane receptors that contain IL-4R ⁇ and activate the transcription factor Stat ⁇ (Zurawski et al.
  • IL- 4 and IL- 13 also differ significantly. IL- 13 does not signal through the type 1 IL-4 receptor (IL-4R), composed of IL-4R ⁇ and the cytokine receptor common ⁇ chain, ⁇ c , that is expressed
  • IL-4 is of greater importance than IL- 13 in the promotion of a Th2 response.
  • some bone marrow-derived cells, including macrophages, as well as most non-bone marrow derived cells express the type 2 IL-4R, composed of the IL4R ⁇ and IL13R ⁇ l polypeptides.
  • Both IL-4 and IL-13 activate the type 2 IL-4R (Andersson et al 1997 Eur J Immunol 21 Al 62-116S; Schnyder et al 1996 Blood 87:4286-4295; Doyle et al 1994 Eur J Immunol 24: 1441-1445; de Vries 1998 J Allergy Clin Immunol 102:165-169; herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.) Signaling through the type 2 IL-4R appears to be responsible for many of the pro-allergic effects of IL-4 and IL-13. See, for example, Herbert et al. 2004 Immunity 20:623-635; Hershey, G.K. 2003 J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.
  • IL-13 also binds and signals through a cell-membrane form of an additional IL-13 binding protein, cell membrane IL-13 R ⁇ 2 that may contribute to the pro-f ⁇ brotic effects of IL-13 (Fichtner-Feigl et al 2006 Nat Med 12:99-106, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).
  • IL-13 R ⁇ 2 is spliced into multiple different forms including both the membrane bound form of IL-13R ⁇ 2 and a soluble form known as sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (SEQ ID ⁇ O:2). Both IL-4 and IL-13 upregulate sIL-13R ⁇ 2 gene expression (Zheng et al. 2003 J. Allergy Clin Immunol 111 :720-728, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), however this work did not address the effect on serum sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide levels. Investigators have speculated that IL-13R ⁇ 2's role is that of a sink or trap to limit dispersal of IL-13 (Chiaramonte et al. (2003) J Exp Med.
  • compositions and methods for diagnosis and modulation of inflammation related disorders are provided.
  • the invention encompasses methods of modulating IL-13/sIL13R ⁇ 2 complex levels, modulating inflammation, and modulating expression of nucleotide sequences of interest.
  • the invention also encompasses methods of detecting altered IL-13/sIL13R ⁇ 2 complex levels in a subject, detecting an allergic response in a subject, and detecting an inflammation related disorder in a subject.
  • the invention provides methods of modulating inflammation in a subject comprising the steps of providing a subject exhibiting an IL-13/ sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related disorder such as an inflammation related disorder, administering an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent to said subject, and monitoring an inflammation related phenotype in the subject.
  • the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent is isolated IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex or an agent such as an IL-13 like molecule, a sIL-13R ⁇ 2- like molecule, a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 agonist, and a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 binding antibody.
  • the inflammation related phenotype alters.
  • the inflammation related phenotype increases. In other aspects of the invention the inflammation related phenotype decreases. In an aspect of the invention, the inflammation related phenotype is expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest and said expression is altered. Nucleotide sequences of interest include, but are not limited to, the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:5. In an aspect, the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related disorder includes but is not limited to asthma, allergic responses, endofibrotic disorders, and inflammatory disorders.
  • the invention provides methods of modulating expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest comprising the steps of providing a subject exhibiting a nucleotide sequence of interest-related disorder and administering an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent to the subject.
  • Particular nucleotide sequences of interest include the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 (Piral), SEQ ID NO:4 (Vanninl), and SEQ ID NO:5 (ApoAl).
  • SEQ ID NO:3 expression levels increase subsequent to administration of the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent.
  • SEQ ID NO:4 expression levels increase subsequent to administration of the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent is isolated IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex or an agent such as an IL- 13 like molecule, a sIL-13R ⁇ 2-like molecule, a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 agonist, and a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 binding antibody.
  • the invention provides methods of determining the ratio of sIL13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13/sIL13R ⁇ 2 complex in a biological sample comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample and incubating the biological sample with a first IL- 13/sIL13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the method further comprises incubating a reaction mixture comprising a biological sample and a first IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent with a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody selected from the group consisting of an antibody that binds an IL- 13 polypeptide and an antibody that binds a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the methods include the step of incubating a biological sample with isolated IL- 13.
  • the invention provides methods of determining the ratio of sIL13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13/sIL13R ⁇ 2 complex in a biological sample comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from the subject, dividing said biological sample into a first aliquot and a second aliquot of pre-determined volume, incubating the first aliquot with an isolated IL- 13 polypeptide, and incubating the first and second aliquots with a first IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the method further comprises the step of incubating a first reaction mixture comprising the first aliquot, the IL- 13, and the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent with a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, hi an aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of incubating a second reaction mixture comprising the second aliquot and the first IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent with a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the EL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody selected from the group consisting of an antibody that preferentially binds an IL- 13 polypeptide and an antibody that preferentially binds a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the invention provides methods of detecting an allergic response in a subject comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from a subject, incubating the biological sample with a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, determining the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the biological sample and comparing the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the sample with a standard IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody.
  • the antibody is selected from the group of antibodies that bind an IL- 13 polypeptide and antibodies that bind a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody.
  • the antibody is selected from the group of antibodies that bind an IL- 13 polypeptide and antibodies that bind a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody that binds either IL- 13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and the second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody that binds the other component (IL- 13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2).
  • the biological sample includes, but is not limited to, blood and serum.
  • kits for detecting an allergic response in a subject kits for detecting an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in a subject, and kits for detecting an inflammatory related disorder in a subject, comprising a first IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent comprises an antibody selected from the group of antibodies that bind an IL-13 polypeptide and the group of antibodies that bind a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the kit further comprises a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the invention provides methods of detecting an inflammatory related disorder in a subject comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from the subject, incubating the biological sample with a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, determining the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the biological sample and comparing the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the sample with a standard IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level, hi an aspect of the invention, subjects with an altered IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the sample are characterized as exhibiting an inflammatory related disorder.
  • the invention provides methods of detecting an altered IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in a subject comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from the subject, assaying the expression level of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest in the biological sample, and comparing the expression level of the nucleotide sequence of interest with a predetermined standard expression level.
  • the subject exhibits an inflammatory related disorder.
  • the methods comprise assaying the expression level of at least two or at least three nucleotide sequences of interest in the biological sample.
  • the nucleotide sequence of interest is selected from the group of nucleotide sequences of interest having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:5.
  • an increased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4 indicates an increased IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the subject.
  • a decreased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 indicates an increased IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the subject.
  • the invention provides methods of identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related study comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from a subject, assaying the expression level of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest in the biological sample, comparing the expression level of said at least one nucleotide sequence of interest with a predetermined standard expression level, and identifying the subject as a subject with an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the methods further comprise the steps of identifying a subject with the attribute of an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level, and identifying said subject as a subject having a preferred attribute for an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related study.
  • the methods comprise assaying the expression level of at least two or at least three nucleotide sequences of interest in the biological sample.
  • the nucleotide sequence of interest is selected from the group of nucleotide sequences of interest having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, or a
  • the methods further comprise characterizing a subject with an increased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4 or a nucleotide sequence of interest having at least 95% identity to a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:4 or a decreased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 as a subject with an elevated IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ l complex level.
  • the invention provides methods of identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in an inflammatory related disorder study comprising the steps of obtaining a biological sample from a subject, assaying the expression level of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest in the biological sample, comparing the expression level of said at least one nucleotide sequence of interest with a predetermined standard expression level, and identifying the subject as a subject with an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the methods comprise assaying the expression level of at least two or at least three nucleotide sequences of interest in the biological sample.
  • the nucleotide sequence of interest is selected from the group of nucleotide sequences of interest having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ED NO:4, or SEQ ID NO: 5.
  • the methods further comprise characterizing a subject with an increased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:4 or a nucleotide sequence of interest having at least 95% identity to a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ DD NO:4 or a decreased expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 as a subject with an elevated IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ l complex level.
  • Figure 1 presents an evaluation of serum levels of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R ⁇ in normal mice (panel A) and their average percent saturation with IL- 13 or IL-4, respectively (panel B). Average concentration levels are presented in ng/ml. Experimental details are described elsewhere herein. IL-4/sIL-4R ⁇ complex levels in the na ⁇ ve serum were too low to be detected, thus are not shown in the figure. IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex levels were higher than
  • Figure 2 presents an evaluation of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R ⁇ responses to Th2 stimulation.
  • the data in panels A and B were obtained from mice before (day 0) and after inoculation with N. brasiliensis. Samples were bled from the mice at the indicated day post- inoculation. Panel A indicates the average level of each receptor (ng) in serum (ml). Panel B indicates the average percent of each soluble receptor complexed with its ligand at each time point.
  • the data in panels C and D were obtained from mice before (day 0) and after immunization with goat antimouse IgD antiserum (GaMD). Panel C indicates the average level of each receptor (ng) in serum (ml) at each time point.
  • Panel D indicates the average percent of each soluble receptor complexed with its ligand at each time point. Solid circles indicate sIL-13R ⁇ 2 data, empty circles indicate sIL-4R ⁇ data. Error bars indicate standard error. After exposure to N. brasiliensis or GaMD, the percent of IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex in the samples increased to a peak approaching 90%.
  • Figure 3 presents results obtained from an investigation of cytokine dependence.
  • the data in the figure were obtained from normal BALB-c (wild-type, solid circles), IL- 13 deficient (IL- 13 ' , squares), and IL-4/IL-13 double-deficient (IL-4 " IL- 13 ' , triangles) mice.
  • the mice were bled to obtain a 0 day time point and inoculated with Schistosoma mansoni. Samples were obtained at the indicated time points post-inoculation.
  • Panel A indicates the average IL-13R ⁇ 2 level (ng) in serum (ml) obtained from each type of mice at the designated timepoints.
  • Panel B indicates the average percent of IL-13 R ⁇ 2 complexed with IL- 13 in serum obtained from each mice type at the designated timepoints. Experimental details are provided elsewhere herein. Error bars indicate standard error.
  • Figure 4 presents results obtained from mice after rapid production of IL-4 and IL-13.
  • the data in Panel A were obtained from GaMD injected mice subsequently challenged with saline ( ⁇ lgD/Saline) or rat anti-IgE mAb ( ⁇ lgD/ ⁇ lgE).
  • Panel A presents serum concentrations of sIL-4R ⁇ (hatched bars) and sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (solid bars) and their percent saturation with the appropriate cytokine ligands.
  • sIL-4R ⁇ saturation with IL-4 increased from extremely low levels to approximately 8%.
  • sIL-13R ⁇ 2 saturation with IL-13 increased from approximately 20% to
  • Panel B presents data obtained from samples obtained from mice injected two hours earlier with either saline (untreated) or anti-CD3 mAb ( ⁇ CD3).
  • Panel B presents serum concentrations of sIL-4R ⁇ (hatched bars) and sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (solid bars) and their percent saturation with their cytokine ligands.
  • sIL-4R ⁇ saturation with IL-4 increased from extremely low levels to nearly 50%.
  • sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 saturation with IL- 13 increased to nearly 100%.
  • Asterisks in Figure 4 indicate that the value for the indicated group is significantly altered (p ⁇ 0.05) as compared with the value for an untreated, saline-treated, or vehicle-treated group.
  • Figure 5 presents serum concentration and percent saturation levels in mice treated with either IL-4 (Panels A and B) or IL- 13 (Panels C and D).
  • Panel B also presents data obtained from mice treated with IL- 13 (IL-13, 2 hours).
  • sIL-4R ⁇ serum concentration and percent saturation levels are presented in Panels A and C.
  • sIL-13R ⁇ serum concentration and percent saturation levels are presented in Panels B and D. Additionally each panel contains data obtained from untreated animals. Samples were obtained at the indicated timepoints. As indicated in the figure, sIL-13R ⁇ 2 remained saturated with IL-13 for at least 12 hours.
  • Asterisks in Figure 5 indicate that the value for the indicated group is significantly altered (p ⁇ 0.05) as compared with the value for an untreated, saline-treated, or vehicle-treated group.
  • Figure 6 presents sIL-13R ⁇ 2 serum concentration (ng sIL-13R ⁇ 2/ml serum) data from multiple strains of mice.
  • the results in Panel A were obtained from normal BALB/c (Wild- type) mice one day after injection with either saline or IL-4C.
  • the results in Panel B were obtained from mice injected with IL-4C on day 0 (solid bars) or day 3 (hatched bars).
  • IL-4C was injected into BALB/c (Wild-type), IL-4R ⁇ deficient (IL-4R ⁇ " ), and Stat ⁇ deficient (Stat ⁇ " ) mice.
  • the results in Panel C were obtained from mice injected with IL-13 (hatched bars) and untreated mice (solid bars).
  • IL-13 was injected in normal BALB/c (Wild-type), IL-4R ⁇ deficient (IL-4R ⁇ ⁇ ), Stat ⁇ deficient (Stat ⁇ " ) mice and IL-13R ⁇ 2 deficient (IL-13R ⁇ 2 ⁇ ) mice.
  • Asterisks in Figure 6 indicate that the value for the indicated group is significantly altered (p ⁇ 0.05) as compared with the value for an untreated, saline-treated, or vehicle-treated group. Experimental details are provided elsewhere herein.
  • Figure 7 presents data obtained from experiments investigating the serum half-life of free sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R ⁇ and cytokine-complexed sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R ⁇ .
  • the data in panel A were obtained from IL-4R ⁇ deficient mice that were injected with concentrated sera
  • the double deficient mice were bled at the indicated times and the free sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex levels were determined.
  • Panel C presents half-life curves (dashed lines) calculated from the mean values of the sets of independent experiments presented in Panel B. Circles represent the mean free IL-13R ⁇ 2 data and squares represent the mean IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex data.
  • Panel D presents data obtained from IL-13/IL-13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice injected with concentrated IL-13 rich serum from IL-13R ⁇ 2 -deficient mice. Blood (circles, serum) and urine (squares, urine) samples were taken at the indicated timepoints. IL-13 levels in pg IL-13/ ml sample were determined by ELISA.
  • Figure 8 presents sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (IL-13R ⁇ 2) levels in ng/ml.
  • the left column of graphs contains information obtained from serum samples.
  • the right column of graphs contains information obtained from urine samples.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex levels are indicated with solid bars.
  • Total sIL-13R ⁇ 2 levels are indicated with hatched bars.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex was not detected in the urine samples. Percentages shown in the panels indicate the urine concentration relative to serum concentration of total sIL-13R ⁇ 2.
  • the upper graphs (Panel A) present data obtained from wild-type BALB/c mice injected with saline (saline) or recombinant mouse IL-13 (IL-13).
  • the middle graphs present data obtained from BALB/c mice injected with saline (BALB/c + saline) or IL-4C (BALB/c + IL-4C); and from IL-13R ⁇ 2 deficient mice injected with saline (IL-13R ⁇ 2 " + saline).
  • the lower graphs present data obtained from IL-13 deficient BALB/c mice injected with saline (IL-13 " + saline) or IL-4C (IL-13 ' + IL-4C).
  • Figure 9 presents observed and expected sIL-13R ⁇ 2 levels (ng sIL-13R ⁇ 2/ ml sample) in IL-4R ⁇ deficient mice injected with 1 ⁇ g IL13. Samples were collected from the injected mice for an initial bleed (0 hours) and at 4, 8, and 12 hours post injection. Total sIL-13R ⁇ 2 levels in the samples were determined (circles). These levels are compared to the expected levels based on no change in the rate of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 secretion and either an increase in serum sIL-13R ⁇ 2 half-life from 3.3 hours for free sIL-13R ⁇ 2 to 18 hours for IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2
  • Figure 10 presents the results of real time PCR analysis of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 mRNA relative to 18S RNA mRNA levels.
  • Panel A depicts the relative sIL-13R ⁇ 2 expression levels in normal BALB/c (Wild-type) or IL- 13 deficient BALB/c (IL- 13-) mice three days after injection with vehicle (solid bars) or IL-4C (hatched bars).
  • Panel B depicts the relative sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 expression levels in normal BALB/c (Wild-type) or IL-4R ⁇ - deficient BALB/c (IL- 4Ra-) one day after injection with vehicle (solid bars) or IL- 13 (hatched bars).
  • Panel C depicts the relative sIL-13R ⁇ 2 expression levels in IL-4R ⁇ deficient BALB/c mice one day after injection with vehicle, 3 ⁇ g IL-13, or 3 ⁇ g IL-13 plus 9 ⁇ g sIL-13R ⁇ 2-Fc.
  • Asterisks in Figure 10 indicate that the value for the indicated group is significantly altered (p ⁇ 0.05) as compared with the value for an untreated, saline-treated, or vehicle-treated group.
  • Figure 11 presents a graph indicating the amount of IL-13 (pg/ml) released from recombinant sIL-13R ⁇ 2-IgGFc fusion protein under the indicated pH conditions.
  • IL-13 remains bound to the recombinant sIL-13R ⁇ 2-IgGFc fusion protein over a broad range of pH values.
  • Exposure of the complex to 3.5M MgCl 2 resulted in significant dissociation of IL-13 from sIL-13R ⁇ 2-IgGFc fusion protein.
  • Figure 12 presents the normalized gene expression results pooled from two identical experiments.
  • Panel A presents data obtained from real time PCR analysis of the Piral (SEQ ID NO:3), Vnnl (SEQ ID NO:4), and ApoAl (SEQ ID NO:5) expression levels relative to ⁇ - actin expression levels in pulmonary tissue of IL-13/IL13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice inoculated with PBS (solid bars), serum from N. brasiliensis infected wild-type mice (hatched bars, Wild- type Serum), or serum from N. brasiliensis infected IL-13/IL-13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice (cross-hatched bars, IL-137sIL-13R ⁇ 2 " Serum).
  • Panel B presents data obtained from real time PCR analysis of the Piral (SEQ ID NO:3), Vnnl (SEQ ID NO:4), and ApoAl (SEQ ID NO:5) expression levels relative to ⁇ - actin expression levels in pulmonary tissue of IL-13/IL13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice inoculated with serum from N. brasiliensis infected wild-type mice that had been either absorbed with anti-IL-13R ⁇ 2 Ab-agarose (anti-IL-13R ⁇ 2 Absorbed, solid bars) or control Ab-agarose (Mock Absorbed, hatched bars) prior to inoculation.
  • the invention provides compositions and methods for modulating inflammation in a subject and modulating expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest such as Piral, Vanninl, or ApoAl . Additionally, the invention provides methods of modulating IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex related disorders and inflammation related disorders such as asthma or allergic responses. Further the invention provides methods of determining the ratio of IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and uncomplexed sIL-13R ⁇ 2 in a biological sample, detecting an allergic response in a subject, and detecting an inflammation related disorder in a subject.
  • the invention provides methods of detecting an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in a subject, identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related study, and identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in an inflammatory disorder related study.
  • the invention further provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
  • the compositions and methods of the invention were developed from investigations that revealed that IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex possesses a biological activity that increases expression of two genes, Piral and Vannin-1, and decreases ApoAl expression. Prior to this work sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 was considered a containment protein for IL- 13 and an IL- 13 antagonist (Zhang et al (1997), J. Biol. Chem.
  • Various embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of determining the ratio of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 in a biological sample comprising the steps of obtaining a
  • the ratio of two groups is a relation of the quantity of one of the groups to the quantity of the other group. It is recognized that a ratio of the quantities of two groups (A and B) encompasses multiple arrangements. Such arrangements include, but are not limited to, the relation of A to B, the relation of B to A, the relation of A to A+B, the relation of B to A+B, the relation of A+B to A, and the relation of A+B to B.
  • Means of describing the ratio of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 include, but are not limited to, percent saturation values. Percent saturation values describe the ratio of IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 to the total sIL-13R ⁇ 2 present.
  • sIL-13R ⁇ 2 is intended a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 and fragments and variants thereof.
  • Native sIL-13R ⁇ 2 is a soluble form of IL- 13 R ⁇ 2 thought, while not bound to mechanism, to result from alternative splicing of IL- 13R ⁇ 2.
  • the IL-13R ⁇ 2 genomic sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.
  • IL-13 is a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 and fragments and variants thereof.
  • Antigenic fragments of IL-13 are known in the art.
  • Fragments and variants of the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (SEQ ID NO:2) and IL-13 (SEQ ID NO:6) polypeptides are also encompassed by the present invention.
  • fragment is intended a portion of the amino acid sequence and hence polypeptide.
  • Fragments of a nucleotide sequence may encode protein fragments that retain the biological activity of the native protein and hence exhibit a sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 or IL-13 activity.
  • a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide of interest will consist of at least 10, 15, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 339, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, or 383 contiguous amino acids, or up to the total number of amino acids present in the full- length sIL-13R ⁇ 2 protein (SEQ ID NO:2) or at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66
  • ⁇ W1 28O2 23.1 ⁇ 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, or 131 contiguous amino acids, or up to the total number of amino acids present in the full-length IL-13 protein (SEQ ID NO:6).
  • a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide of interest can be prepared by isolating a portion of a nucleotide sequence that encodes said polypeptide, expressing the encoded portion of the IL-13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2 protein (e.g., by recombinant expression in vitro), and assessing an activity of the encoded portion of the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 or IL- 13 protein.
  • Activities of the IL-13 protein include, but are not limited to, sIL-13R ⁇ 2 binding, IL-4R binding, IL- 13 Ra 1 binding, and antigen formation. Any antigenic fragments of IL-13 known in the art are encompassed.
  • Activities of the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 protein include but are not limited to IL-13 binding, solubility, and antigen formation.
  • variants are intended substantially similar sequences.
  • variant protein is intended a protein derived from the native protein by deletion (so-called truncation) or addition of one or more amino acids to the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the native protein; deletion or addition of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein; or substitution of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein.
  • Variant proteins encompassed by the present invention are biologically active, that is they continue to possess the desired biological activity of the native protein, that is, an IL-13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2 activity as described herein. Such variants may result from, for example, genetic polymorphism or from human manipulation.
  • Biologically active variants of a native IL-13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2 of the invention will have at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, and more preferably at least about 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to the amino acid sequence for the native protein as determined by sequence alignment programs described elsewhere herein using default parameters.
  • a biologically active variant of a protein of the invention may differ from that protein by as few as 1-15 amino acid residues, as few as 1-10, such as 6-10, as few as 5, as few as 4, 3, 2, or even 1 amino acid residue.
  • Alignment may also be performed manually by inspection.
  • sIL-13R ⁇ 2 interacts with IL-13 to form an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex. While not limited by mechanism, sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and IL-13 molecules associate with or bind to each other.
  • An IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex consists of an IL-13 polypeptide associated with a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex is stable over a broad range of pH levels including but not limited to pH 7 to pH 6, pH 6 to pH 5, pH 5 to pH 4.1.
  • the IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex is stable at pH levels at least as low as 4.1.
  • any means of assaying protein protein interactions may be utilized in the methods of the invention.
  • Methods of assaying protein protein interactions include, but are not limited to, cross-linking analysis, yeast two hybrid, immunoassays, gel exclusion assays, X-ray crystallography, NMR, dissociation constant determinations, filter binding assays, dissociation curves, affinity chromatography, saturation binding assays, gel filtration chromatography, coimmunoprecipitation, FRET, fluorescence quenching, phage expression systems, bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis, Far Western analysis, sedimentation velocity analysis, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. See for example Coligan et al Ed. 2007 Current Protocols in Protein Science, John Wiley & Sons and Walker Ed 2002 Protein Protocols Handbook Humana Press Totowa NJ herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • biological sample is intended a sample collected from a subject including, but not limited to, whole blood, serum, tissue, cells, mucosa, fluid, scrapings, hairs, cell lysates, urine, and secretions.
  • Biological samples such as blood samples can be obtained by any method known to one skilled in the art. Further, biological samples can be enriched, purified, isolated, or stabilized by any method known to one skilled in the art.
  • Such enrichment, purification, isolation, or stabilization procedures can be performed at any time during the methods of the invention including but not limited to, prior to incubating the biological sample with a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, concurrent with incubating the biological sample with a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, subsequent to incubating the biological sample with a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent, prior to incubating the biological sample with a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting
  • the invention encompasses isolated or substantially purified nucleic acid or protein compositions.
  • nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide, or biologically active portion thereof is substantially free of other cellular material, or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.
  • An isolated or substantial purified nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide, or biologically active portion thereof may be suspended in solution, combined with a buffering agent, or otherwise utilized in a combination.
  • incubating is intended maintaining environmental conditions favorable to a desired outcome for a period of time.
  • the methods of the invention require incubation of at least a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent with a biological sample.
  • the indicated components are combined and incubated. Frequently the incubation includes additional substances that facilitate the desired outcome of the incubation.
  • Incubating an IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent with a biological sample may be performed under a variety of temperature or reaction conditions. Incubation temperatures may range from 0 0 C to 100°C depending on the components being incubated and the desired outcome of the incubation. Multiple temperatures may be used during the incubation period.
  • Incubation temperatures and conditions for the various components and the desired outcome of the incubations are known in the art. Duration of an incubation may range from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, to 60 seconds; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, to 60 minutes; 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 24, 36, 48, to 60 hours.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent a composition comprising any agent, compound, complex, or molecule capable of preferentially interacting with an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex.
  • preferentially interacting is intended that the detecting reagent interacts with an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex or an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex component at levels at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% greater than a non-IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex or complex component.
  • an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent also is capable of preferentially interacting with IL- 13 or with sIL-13R ⁇ 2. It is recognized that an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent that is also capable of preferentially interacting with a complex component such as IL- 13 or sIL-13R ⁇ 2 may interact with a higher affinity with a complex component than with the complex itself. Detecting reagents may indicate the presence of the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex directly or indirectly.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 detecting reagents include but are not limited to antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, recombinant antibodies, polypeptides, small molecules, nucleic acids, IL- 13 binding antibodies, sIL-13R ⁇ 2 binding antibodies, IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 binding antibodies, peptidomimetics, humanized antibodies, antibody fragments such as Fab fragments, single- chain antibodies, and peptides.
  • An antibody is an immunoglobulin molecule produced in response to a unique antigen. Interaction of the detecting reagent itself may be detected directly or indirectly, for example through an interaction with a conjugated antibody.
  • a complex detecting reagent may also comprise other components such as, but not limited to, buffers, buffering agents, chelating agents, diluents, fetal bovine serum, glycerol, diluents, suspension solutions, and serums.
  • any method of obtaining a biological sample from a subject known in the art may be used in the methods of the invention.
  • subject is intended a mammal, e.g., a human, or an experimental or animal or disease model or mammalian tissue or mammalian cells. Suitable subjects include mammals, particularly humans and mice.
  • the subject can also be a non-human mammal such as, but not limited to, a mouse, horse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, pig, goat, bovine, rat, rodent, feline, monkey, chimpanzee, sheep, or other domestic animal.
  • the methods comprise the step of providing a first aliquot of the biological sample and providing a second aliquot of the biological sample.
  • aliquot is intended a portion, sub-sample, amount, sub-set, or part of the total biological sample.
  • Various enrichment, purification, stabilization, or storage processes may be performed on the total biological sample before or after the first and second aliquots are
  • the amount, volume, or portion of the first and second aliquots is predetermined.
  • the volume of the first aliquot may be less than, equal to, or greater than the volume of the second aliquot.
  • the total volume of the first and second aliquots may be less than or equal to the total volume of the biological sample. It is recognized that substances including but not limited to stabilizing agents, buffering agents, salts, diluents, and proteinase inhibitors may be added to the first aliquot, the second aliquot, or the first and second aliquot.
  • the invention encompasses various methods of identifying an allergic response in a subject, identifying an inflammation related disorder in a subject, identifying an altered IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in a subject, and identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in pertinent studies. Identifying involves detecting, evaluating, assaying, recognizing or discovering the characteristic of interest such as, but not limited to, an allergic response, an inflammation related disorder, an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level, or subjects suitable for inclusion in a particular study.
  • Allergic responses are inappropriate immune reactions to an allergen. They affect about 20% of the American public. Symptoms of allergic responses include, but are not limited to, inflammation, mucus production, watery eyes, itching, rashes, tissue swelling, nasal inflammation, bronchospasm, stridor, shock, vasculitis, systemic anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema, transfusion reactions, angioedema, urticaria, eczematous dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, abdominal cramps, gastrointestinal stress, asthma, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, perspiration, confusion, lethargy, upregulation of serum IgE, eosinophilia, airway hyper responsiveness, and cyanosis.
  • Inflammation related disorders amenable to the present invention include but are not limited to, asthma, airway hyper responsiveness, chronic airway remodeling, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, fibrotic disorders, non-allergic asthma, cystic fibrosis, liver fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Symptoms of asthma include, but are not limited to, wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchoconstruction, airway hyper reactivity, decreased lung capacity, fibrosis, airway inflammation, and mucus production.
  • An embodiment of the invention is a method of detecting an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level abnormality such as an allergic response or an inflammation related disorder.
  • the method comprises obtaining a sample and assaying the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level in the sample.
  • An increase or decrease in complex level compared to standard complex levels in a similar sample obtained from a healthy subject, either directly or indirectly (for example, a predetermined standard IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level) indicates an IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex level abnormality or an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level is expressed as a relation of the IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex level and the free or non-bound sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex levels can be expressed in various ways including but not limited to, mass units of complex per volume units of sample, (for example pg/ml, ng/ml, ⁇ g/ml, mg/ml); percent saturation, raw mass units, weight volume, and volume volume.
  • the invention provides multiple methods of detecting an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the invention provides methods of detecting an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level that involve assaying the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level. In another embodiment the invention provides methods of detecting an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level that involve assaying the expression level of a nucleotide sequence of interest.
  • kits for performing the methods of the invention comprise a first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent and may comprise a second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent.
  • the first IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an antibody that binds an IL- 13 polypeptide or an antibody that binds a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the second IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an antibody that binds an IL- 13 polypeptide or an antibody that binds a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptide.
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an anti-IL-13 antibody and the second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an anti-sIL-13R ⁇ 2 antibody
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an anti- sIL-13R ⁇ 2 antibody and the second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is an anti-IL-13 antibody.
  • the IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent is a molecule that preferentially interacts with IL- 13 or sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 and is not an antibody.
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent preferentially interacts with IL- 13 and the second IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent preferentially interacts with sIL-13R ⁇ 2.
  • the first IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex detecting reagent preferentially interacts with sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and
  • Embodiments of the invention encompass the use of any anti-IL-13 antibody or anti-sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 antibody known in the art.
  • Anti-IL-13 antibodies known in the art include, but are not limited to, affinity-purified goat anti-mouse IL-13 (R&D Systems) and C531, rat IgG anti- mouse IL-13 (Centocor).
  • Anti-sIL-13R ⁇ 2 antibodies known in the art include, but are not limited to, affinity-purified rabbit anti-mouse sIL-13R ⁇ 2 (Zhang et al (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:9474-9480, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).
  • An embodiment of the invention is a method of identifying an altered IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • the method comprises obtaining a sample and assaying the expression level of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest in the sample.
  • An increase or decrease in expression level compared to standard expression levels of the nucleotide sequence of interest in a similar sample obtained from a healthy subject, either directly or indirectly (for example, a predetermined standard) indicates an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • Predetermined standard expression level includes but is not limited to the expression level of the nucleotide sequence of interest in a pre-identified individual or the average expression level of the nucleotide sequence of interest in a group of healthy individuals.
  • comparisons between a query subject and a baseline subject are encompassed by the invention.
  • Altered expression levels of three nucleotide sequences of interest are observed upon introduction of IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex into IL-13 and IL- 13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice.
  • the nucleotide sequences of interest are Piral (SEQ ID NO:3), Vanninl (SEQ ID NO:4), and ApoAl (SEQ ID NO:5).
  • the expression level of at least two nucleotide sequences of interest is determined.
  • the expression level of at least three nucleotide sequences of interest is determined.
  • the six mouse Pira genes are homologous to human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors and encode cell membrane proteins that couple with a homodimer of the Fc receptor common ⁇ chain and bind MHC class I tetramers. While not being bound by mechanism, binding of the PIR-A gene products by self MHC class I activates Fc receptor ⁇ ITAMs and increases the basal activation state of the mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells that express these genes. The stimulatory effects of the Pira gene products are thought to be balanced by the single Pirb gene, which encodes an MHC class I binding protein with extracellular domains similar to those encoded
  • ⁇ W1 2 8O2 2 3.1 ⁇ by Pirn genes is expressed on the same cell types.
  • the PIR-B polypeptide is associated with inhibitory ITIM motifs and downregulates the basal level of mast cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell activation. See, for example, Takai, T. (2005) Immunology 115:433-440, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • An increased IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level results in increased Piral (SEQ ID NO:3) expression levels. While not being bound by mechanism, an increase in piral expression without a corresponding increase in pirb expression is likely to promote inflammation by increasing the activation state of inflammatory and antigen presenting cells.
  • Vanin-1 ⁇ Vnnl SEQ ID NO:4 encodes a pantetheinase that releases cysteamine from pantetheine. It is thought that cysteamine promotes the production of chemokines that attract neutrophils and inhibits ⁇ -glutamylcysteine synthetase, which appears necessary to synthesize the natural reducing agent glutathione. Vanin-1 deficient mice appear to exhibit decreased inflammation, decreased iNOS expression, and increased arginase expression upon infection. See, for example, Pitari et al. 2000 FEBS Lett 483 : 149- 154; Berruyer et al 2004 MoI Cell Biol 24:7214-7224; Martin et al 2004 J. Clin.
  • Vanin-1 is likely to exacerbate inflammation dependent on neutrophils and oxidation, promote classical macrophage activation, and inhibit alternative or allergic macrophage activation.
  • An increased IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level results in increased Vnnl (SEQ ID NO:4) expression levels.
  • ApoA-1 suppresses LPS-induced acute lung injury, inflammation, and inflammatory cytokine production; inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages in direct contact with stimulated T cells; and fMLP and PMA induced neutrophil adhesion, oxidative burst, degranulation, and promotes removal of damaged and apoptotic cells.
  • An increased IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level results in decreased ApoA 1 (SEQ ID NO:5) expression levels. While not being bound by mechanism, decreases in ApoAl should promote inflammation, especially inflammation associated with neutrophils and classically activated macrophages.
  • the complexing of IL- 13 with sIL-13R ⁇ 2 may simultaneously suppress the allergic inflammation that is classically associated with IL- 13 and stimulate inflammation of the type associated with ThI cytokines.
  • Methods of determining expression levels of a nucleotide sequence of interest include, but are not limited to, qualitative Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, radiological assays, polypeptide purification, spectrophotometric analysis, Coomassie staining of acrylamide gels, ELISAs, RT-PCR, 2-D gel electrophoresis, microarray analysis, in situ hybridization, chemiluminescence, silver staining, enzymatic assays, ponceau S staining, multiplex RT-PCR, immunohistochemical assays, radioimmunoassay, colorimetric analysis, immunoradiometric assays, positron emission tomography, Northern blotting, fiuorometric assays and SAGE.
  • Examples of computer implementations of these mathematical algorithms include, but are not limited to, ImaGene (available from BioDiscovery), GenePix Pro 6.0 (available from Axon Instruments), ScanAlyze (available from EisenLab Stanford University), Spotfinder (TIGR), Imaxia (ArrayFox), F-Scan (Analytical Biostatistics Section NIH), GeneSpotter (MicroDiscovery), CLONDIAG (IconoClust), Koada Technology (Koadarray), Vigene Tech (Micro Vigene), Nonlinear Dynamics (Phoretix), CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences (SPOT), Niles
  • An increase in expression level or relative expression level is an increase in the range of 1% to 1000%, particularly 5% to 500%, more particularly 5% to 250%.
  • a decrease in expression level or relative expression level is a decrease in the range of 1% to 100%, particularly 5% to 100%, more particularly 10% to 100%, yet more particularly 20% to 100%, yet still more particularly 30% to 100%.
  • relative expression of SEQ ID NO: 3 increases in the range of 1 fold to 10 fold, particularly 1 fold to 5 fold, yet more particularly 1 fold to 3 fold.
  • relative expression of SEQ ID NO:4 increases in the range of 1 fold to 10 fold, particularly 1 fold to 5 fold, yet more particularly 1 fold to 3 fold.
  • relative expression of SEQ ID NO: 5 decreases by a factor in the range of 1 to 100, particularly 1 to 50, more particularly 1 to 25, yet more particularly 1 to 10, yet still more particularly 1 to 3.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 related disorders include, but are not limited to, allergic responses, asthma, allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma, endofibrotic disorders, and inflammatory disorders.
  • the invention provides methods of identifying subjects suitable for inclusion in various studies, including but not limited to an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related study and an inflammatory disorder related study.
  • study is intended an investigation, research project, research proposal, clinical trial, observational assessment of one or more groups, or case control study.
  • the object of the study determines the preferred attributes of subjects included in the study. Preferred attributes include but are not limited to, a specific
  • ⁇ Wl 280223.1 ⁇ physiology, disorder, symptom, phenotype, genotype, health status, age, or gender. Further a preferred attribute may be one of these characteristics that falls within a specific range depending upon the subject design. Subjects suitable for inclusion in a study possess or exhibit one or more of the preferred attributes.
  • the methods of the invention allow identification of subjects with the attribute of either an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 level. Any method of identifying an altered IL-13/sIL- 13R ⁇ 2 complex level described herein can be used to identify subjects with the attribute of either an altered IL-13/sIL-13R2 complex or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related studies include but are not limited to, IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex related studies and inflammatory disorder related studies.
  • a preferred attribute may be either an altered IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • subjects suitable for inclusion in a study are identified by providing a biological sample from the subject, assaying the expression level of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest in the biological sample, comparing the expression level of the nucleotide sequence of interest with a predetermined standard expression level and identifying the subject as a subject with either an altered IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level or a normal IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex level.
  • Various embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of modulating inflammation in a subject exhibiting a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 related disorder and methods of modulating expression of at least one nucleotide sequence of interest selected from the group consisting of a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:5.
  • modulating is intended increasing or decreasing inflammation or expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest by at least 1%, 5%, preferably 10%, 20%, more preferably 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, yet more preferably 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% as compared to an untreated or placebo treatment effect.
  • Modulation may be an increase or decrease in inflammation in one or more samples from the subject. Modulation of inflammation may occur in only one tissue or it may occur in multiple tissues. Methods of assaying inflammation include but are not limited to visual inspection, photometric assays, temperature evaluation, white blood cell concentrations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate assays, C-reactive protein level assays, pain assays, gallium imaging, indium imaging, and gene expression assays such as those described elsewhere
  • Modulation may be an increase or decrease in expression of the nucleotide sequence of interest in one or more samples from a subject. Modulation of expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest may occur in only one tissue or it may occur in multiple tissues. Methods for assaying expression of nucleotide sequences of interest are described elsewhere herein. Any method of assaying expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest known in the art may be used to monitor the effects of the compound of interest on a subject.
  • Inflammation is a physiological response usually triggered by injury, infection, or allergy but also triggered both acutely and chronically in certain inflammatory related disorders.
  • Inflammation related disorders include but are not limited to autoimmune disorders, colitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, airway hyper responsiveness, chronic airway remodeling, arthritis, and inflammatory disorders.
  • Inflammation related phenotypes include, but are not limited to, edema, altered cytokine production, pain, discomfort, vasodilation, altered vessel permeability, bronchochonstriction, leukotriene release, prostaglandin release, fever, elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and fibrinosis.
  • Any methods of monitoring, evaluating, or assaying an inflammation related phenotype known in the art may be utilized in the methods of the invention.
  • Methods of monitoring inflammation related phenotype include but are not limited to visual inspection, photometric assays, temperature evaluation, white blood cell concentrations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate assays, C-reactive protein level assays, pain assays, gallium imaging, indium imaging, and gene expression assays such as those described elsewhere herein.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agents include, but are not limited to, isolated IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2, modified IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complexes such as IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 fusion polypeptides, cross-linked IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptides, sIL-13R ⁇ 2-binding antibodies, IL- 13 binding antibodies, peptidomimetics, cross-linking agents, complex disrupting agents, an IL-13-like molecule, a sIL-13R ⁇ -like molecule, and a sIL-13R ⁇ 2 agonist.
  • isolated IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complexes such as IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 fusion polypeptides, cross-linked IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 polypeptides, sIL-13R ⁇ 2-binding antibodies, IL- 13 binding antibodies, peptidomimetics, cross-linking agents, complex disrupting agents, an IL-13-like molecule,
  • isolated IL- 13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 is intended an IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex substantially free of other cellular material or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. It is recognized that
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 may be obtained from a biological sample as complex, prepared in vitro from one or two chemically synthesized components, or prepared in vitro from one or two components obtained from a biological sample.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agents are not bound by a particular mechanism but may function by impacting various aspects of the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex including but not limited to complex structure, complex solubility, or complex's effect on nucleotide sequence of interest expression levels.
  • An IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent that impacts the complex's effect on nucleotide sequence of interest expression levels could affect among things, the specificity of the effect on nucleotide sequence of interest expression levels, the degree of effect on a nucleotide sequence of interest expression level, increase the effect on a nucleotide sequence of interest expression, or decrease the effect on a nucleotide sequence of interest expression.
  • administer is used in its broadest sense and includes any method of introducing a compound into a transgenic animal of the present invention. This includes producing polypeptides or polynucleotides in vivo as by transcription or translation in vivo of polynucleotides that have been exogenously introduced into a subject. Thus, polypeptides or nucleic acids produced in the subject from the exogenous compositions are encompassed in the term "administer.”
  • An IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex modulating agent may additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, such media can be used in the compositions of the invention. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • routes of administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial
  • ⁇ W1280223.1 ⁇ agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor ELTM (BASF, Parsippany, NJ.) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
  • the composition must be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringeability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, and sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound (e.g., a carboxypeptidase protein or ami- carboxypeptidase antibody) in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • the active compound e.g., a carboxypeptidase protein or ami- carboxypeptidase antibody
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of
  • ⁇ W1280223.1 ⁇ preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets.
  • the agent can be contained in enteric forms to survive the stomach or further coated or mixed to be released in a particular region of the GI tract by known methods.
  • the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules.
  • Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed.
  • Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose, saccharin, phenylalanine, or sucralose; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such
  • the compounds are delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser, which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, a nebulizer, or an inhaler.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, a nebulizer, or an inhaler.
  • Compounds may also be delivered with supplemental oxygen administered to a subject.
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories.
  • the active compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.
  • the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • the materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811.
  • dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of individuals.
  • Example 1 Evaluation of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R levels in serum
  • BALB/c wild-type mice were obtained from Taconic. Eight to sixteen week old untreated BALB/c mice (5/gp) were bled. A first and second aliquot were obtained from the biological samples. Levels of IL-4/sIL ⁇ 4R ⁇ complex and IL-13/sIL13-R ⁇ 2 complex in the first aliquots were measured by ELISA.
  • Affinity purified goat anti-IL-13 antibodies were used to capture the IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complex onto microtiter plate walls followed by biotin- labeled anti-IL13 monoclonal antibody (C531), followed by a horseradish peroxidase streptavidin conjugate (Pierce Chemical Co.) and a luminogenic substrate for horseradish peroxidase.
  • C531 binds IL- 13 and IL- 13 that is complexed to sIL-13R ⁇ 2.
  • ⁇ W1 2 8O2 2 3.1 ⁇ 4/sIL4R ⁇ levels microliter plate wells were coated with goat anti-IL4R ⁇ monoclonal antibody. Captured IL-4/sIL-4R ⁇ complex was detected with biotin anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (BVD6-24G2.3). Luminescence was measured with a Fluoroskan Ascent FL microtiter plate luminometer/fluorometer (Labsystems). Total levels of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 or sIL- 4R ⁇ in the second aliquots were detected similarly. Isolated IL- 13 (100 ng/ml) or IL-4 (20 ng/ml), respectively was added to the serum before performing the ELISA on the second aliquots. The percentage of saturation of the soluble receptor (sR) with the cytokine was determined by dividing the concentration of the cytokine/SR complex by the total soluble cytokine receptor concentration. Data obtained from one such experiment are presented in Figure 1.
  • Mouse IL-13R ⁇ 2-human IgGFc fusion protein (Wyeth) was combined with complete Freund's adjuvant (Difco) and injected into a goat. The goat was provided a boost preparation of mouse IL-13R ⁇ 2-human IgGFc fusion protein combined with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (Difco). Serum was harvested. Human IgG was coupled to CNBr- activated Sepharose (Pharmacia). The serum was adsorbed with the IgG coupled Sepharose. The non-adsorbing material was collected and incubated with mouse IL-13R ⁇ 2-mouse IgGFc fusion protein coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose. The Sepharose beads were washed.
  • a goat was immunized with mouse sIL-4R ⁇ (Immunex) in complete Freund's adjuvant. The goat was boosted with the same antigen in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Antibodies were affinity purified by adsorption to and 3.5 M MgCl 2 elution from mouse IL- 4R ⁇ coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose.
  • Example 3 Determination of the Percent Saturation of the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R in serum
  • Serum IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 complexes were measured by ELISA using affinity purified goat anti-IL-13R ⁇ 2 Ab adhered onto microtiter plate walls, followed by biotin-labeled C531 anti-IL-13 mAb, streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase, and luminogenic substrate.
  • Serum levels of IL-4/sIL-4R ⁇ complex were detected by an ELISA in which microtiter plates were coated with goat anti-IL-4R ⁇ mAb and captured complex was detected with biotin-anti-IL-4
  • ⁇ W1 28 O223.1 ⁇ niAb (BVD6-24G2.3).
  • Total levels of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 or sIL-4R ⁇ were detected in the same way, except that recombinant IL-13 (100 ng/ml) or IL-4 (20 ng/ml) respectively was added to the serum prior to performing the assay.
  • Percentage of saturation of the soluble receptor with cytokine was determined by dividing the concentration of cytokine/soluble receptor complex by the total soluble cytokine receptor concentration.
  • Example 4 Assessment of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4Rot Response to Th2 Stimulation
  • BALB/c mice were bled to obtain an initial timepoint. Mice were immunized with GaMD (goat anti-mouse IgD antiserum) or inoculated subcutaneously with 500 N. brasiliensis third stage infectious larvae. N. brasiliensis and GaMD stimulate Th2 cytokine production. Blood samples were obtained at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 post-inoculation or days 2, 6, and 14 post-infection.
  • GaMD goat anti-mouse IgD antiserum
  • N. brasiliensis and GaMD stimulate Th2 cytokine production. Blood samples were obtained at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 post-inoculation or days 2, 6, and 14 post-infection.
  • Example 5 Cytokine Requirements for the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 Response to S. mansoni Infection
  • the sIL-13R ⁇ 2 response to Schistosoma mansoni infection was determined in multiple mouse strains to evaluate the response in the absence of various cytokines.
  • BALB/c wild-type mice, IL- 13 deficient mice and IL-4/IL-13 double deficient mice were bled to obtain a zero timepoint.
  • the mice were inoculated percutaneously via the tail with 25-30 cercariae of a Puerto Spainn strain of S. mansoni that were obtained from infected Biomphalaria glabrata snails. Mice were bled at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16 days post-inoculation.
  • mice were used to investigate the effect of rapid production of IL-4 and IL- 13 on serum sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and sIL-4R concentration and saturation.
  • the GaMD injected mice were challenged with either saline or rat anti-IgE mAb (100 ⁇ g). Blood samples were obtained four hours after the challenge. Serum concentrations of sIL-4R and sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and their percent saturation with their cytokine ligands was determined as described elsewhere herein.
  • mice were injected with saline or anti-CD3 mAb (10 ⁇ g). Blood samples were obtained two hours after the injection. Serum concentrations of sIL-4R and sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and their percent saturation with their cytokine ligands were determined as described elsewhere herein. Data from one such experiment are presented in Figure 4.
  • Example 7 Assessment of Response to Exogenous Administration of IL-4 or IL- 13
  • BALB/C mice were injected with l ⁇ g of IL-4 or IL-13. Blood samples were obtained at various timepoints post-injection. Serum concentrations of sIL-4R and sIL-13R ⁇ 2 and their percent saturation with their cytokine ligands was determined as described elsewhere herein.
  • IL-4C was prepared by mixing IL-4 and anti-IL-4 mAb at a 2: 1 molar ratio.
  • BALB/c wild-type, IL-4R ⁇ -deficient and STAT6 deficient mice were injected intraperitoneally with IL-4C that contained 2 ⁇ m IL-4. Mice were bled on day 0 and day 3 and the serum level of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 was determined.
  • BALB/c wild-type, IL-4R ⁇ -deficient STAT6 deficient mice and IL-13 R ⁇ 2 deficient mice were injected intraperitoneally with 1 ⁇ g IL- 13. Mice were bled on day 0 and day 1, and the serum levels of sIL-13R ⁇ 2 were determined. Data from one such experiment are presented in Figure 6.
  • Example 9 Analysis of Serum Receptor and Cvtokine/Receptor Complex Half-lives [0088] Normal mouse serum was obtained and concentrated 5 fold. IL-4R ⁇ deficient mice were injected with 0.5 ml of 5X normal sera or 5X normal sera plus IL-4. Mice were bled at
  • Wild-type BALB-c and IL- 13 deficient BALB-c mice were infected with N. brasiliensis as described elsewhere herein. Serum was obtained from the infected mice and concentrated 10 fold. The 1OX serum (0.5 ml) was injected into IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 double- deficient mice. In one experiment mice were bled at 0.5, 2, 6, and 12 hours post treatment; in another, the mice were bled at 0.5, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours post treatment. Amounts of free sIL-13R ⁇ 2 or IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 were determined as described elsewhere herein.
  • IL-13R ⁇ 2-deficient mice were inoculated with 200 or 500 infective N. brasiliensis larvae on day 0 and day 14. The mice were injected intraperitoneally with 10 ⁇ g anti-CD3 mAb on day 21. Mice were bled on day 6, 7, 8, 19, and 2 hours after the anti-CD3 injection. Sera were pooled and concentrated 2-fold.
  • IL- 13 rich serum was prepared as described above herein.
  • IL-13/IL-13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice were generated by breeding IL-13 deficient and IL-13R ⁇ 2 deficient mice. Offspring were typed by PCR.
  • Nine IL-13/IL-13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice were injected with 0.5 ml of IL-13 rich serum. Groups of three recipient mice were bled at 20, 40 or 80 minutes post-injection.
  • Urine samples were obtained and pooled from the same sets of mice at 30, 90 or 720 minutes post-injection. IL-13 levels were determined by ELISA.
  • IL-4R ⁇ deficient BALB/c mice were injected with 1 ⁇ g of IL-13.
  • Total sIL-13R ⁇ 2 levels were determined at 0, 4, 8, and 12 hours post injection.
  • BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with saline, recombinant mouse IL- 13, or IL-4C.
  • IL-13R ⁇ 2 deficient mice were injected with IL-4C.
  • IL-13 deficient BALB/c mice were injected with saline or IL-4C.
  • Real-time RT-PCR was performed on the iCycler (Roche Diagnostics) using a total volume of 20 ⁇ l, containing 100 ⁇ M of iCycler-DNA Master SYBR Green (Roche Diagnostics), ddH 2 O, and 4 ⁇ l cDNA, which corresponds to approximately 33 ng of total RNA.
  • the cDNA was added as template and 5 ⁇ l (3 mM) of the primer of interest was added to the PCR reaction.
  • BALB/c and IL-13 deficient BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with vehicle or IL-4C (2 ⁇ g IL-4/10 ⁇ g BVD4-1 IDl 1 in 200 ⁇ l saline). Mice were sacrificed three days later.
  • BALB/c and IL-4R ⁇ deficient BALB/c mice were injected with vehicle or 2 ⁇ g IL-13.
  • IL-4R ⁇ deficient BALB/c mice were injected with vehicle, 3 ⁇ g IL-13, or 3 ⁇ g IL-13 + 9 ⁇ g sIL-13R ⁇ 2-Fc. Mice were sacrificed one day post-injection.
  • Example 17 Assessment of IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 Complexes on Pulmonary Gene Expression
  • Wild-type and IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 double deficient mice were infected with N. brasiliensis. Sera were harvested from the mice. The sera was saturated with recombinant mouse IL-13 then absorbed to remove any free IL-13.
  • IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 double-deficient mice were inoculated intratracheally daily on 3 consecutive days with 50 ⁇ l PBS, serum from N. brasiliensis infected wild-type or serum from N. brasiliensis infected IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 double-deficient mice. Mice were sacrificed 16 hours after the third dose of PBS or serum.
  • Example 18 Assessment of IL-13/sIL-13R ⁇ 2 Complex Stability
  • Recombinant sIL-13R ⁇ 2-IgGFc fusion protein 150 ⁇ l was bound to agarose and saturated with 4.5 ng IL- 13.
  • the agarose was washed extensively with PBS.
  • the agarose was step-wise eluted with buffers at pH 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5, 4.5 and 4.1.
  • 3.5 M MgCl 2 was incubated with the agarose complex. Eluants were collected and assayed for IL- 13 by ELISA. Results from one such experiment are presented in Figure 11.

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US20040247524A1 (en) * 2003-06-05 2004-12-09 Philippe Naquet Method of treatment of an inflammatory disorder with a Vanin-1 antagonist
JP2005095166A (ja) * 2003-08-28 2005-04-14 Sumitomo Pharmaceut Co Ltd 炎症性腸疾患の疾患マーカーおよびその利用

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WO2000036103A1 (en) * 1998-12-14 2000-06-22 Genetics Institute, Inc. Cytokine receptor chain
US20040247524A1 (en) * 2003-06-05 2004-12-09 Philippe Naquet Method of treatment of an inflammatory disorder with a Vanin-1 antagonist
JP2005095166A (ja) * 2003-08-28 2005-04-14 Sumitomo Pharmaceut Co Ltd 炎症性腸疾患の疾患マーカーおよびその利用

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